The primary goal of the EcoOlives project was to enhance the competitiveness of EU olive farmers by building their capacity to produce and promote organic olives and olive oil. To achieve this, the project aimed to equip producers with the tools and knowledge needed to enter the organic market and meet rising consumer demand for high-quality organic products. The project offered a comprehensive training program covering organic farming techniques, pest control, and marketing strategies, helping farmers manage the complexities of organic farming. It also sought to raise awareness of olive groves' cultural and historical significance, promoting them as part of the region's rich heritage. By advocating for organic methods, EcoOlives encouraged more sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting both the environment and the sector's long-term viability. Additionally, the project promoted organic olives among EU consumers, expanding the market. With partners from three of the top four olive oil-producing countries, the project ensured its outputs were widely applicable and effectively disseminated, maximizing its impact across the EU.
The European Union is the largest global producer of olive oil, contributing 69% of the world’s total output. Spain leads with 1.3 million tonnes annually, followed by Italy, Greece, and Portugal, which together account for 99% of EU production. Other producers include Croatia and Cyprus. Despite the sector's economic importance, a European Commission study highlighted insufficient resources for effective conformity checks in the EU olive oil sector. Simultaneously, the organic food market is growing, with EU sales exceeding €40 billion. Many olive farmers are shifting to organic production, but this transition is challenging, requiring certification, technical and economic support, and specialized training. The EcoOlives project was launched to support farmers in this shift by providing skills and knowledge for maintaining olive groves, adopting organic techniques, and combating diseases like Xylella. The project also promotes the development of new organic products and sustainable tourism, ultimately aiming to boost the competitiveness of EU organic olive oil producers.